Justice Emeka Nwite has elucidated the reasons behind his decision to grant an ex parte order to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), leading to the freezing of accounts linked to Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). This development has placed Kyari in a new predicament.

The ex parte order, granted by Justice Nwite on Tuesday, mandates the freezing of funds totaling N661,464,601.50. These funds are held across four Jaiz Bank accounts, which include: account number 0017922724 registered in Mele Kyari's name (listed twice, indicating two accounts or entries associated with this number), account number 0018575055 registered to the Guwori Community Development Foundation, and account number 0018575141 registered to the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.

Photo Credit: The Eastern Updates

The freezing order is temporary, lasting 30 days, to facilitate an ongoing investigation and can be renewed if necessary. EFCC's lawyer, Ogechi Ujam, presented the ex parte motion, FHC/ABJ/CS/1641, arguing that the measure was essential for the investigation into alleged conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering. Justice Nwite affirmed the application's merit, stating, “I have listened to counsel to the applicant and gone through the affidavit evidence with the exhibits and written address attached in support. I found that this application is meritorious, and it is hereby granted as prayed.” September 23 has been set as the date for a report on the ownership of the bank accounts.

The EFCC had earlier placed Mele Kyari on a watchlist in connection with its ongoing probe into the $7.2 billion refineries’ turnaround maintenance. Investigations into the activities of the NNPCL during Kyari’s tenure have reached an advanced stage, with his close associates having been arrested and interrogated regarding how funds earmarked for refinery maintenance were managed. Documents and crucial information have been obtained by detectives. An EFCC official confirmed that the commission would soon invite Kyari for interrogation, emphasizing that the anti-corruption agency operates at a transnational level and that Kyari’s location will not impede their investigation, as he is already on their watchlist. The commission noted its deliberate discretion in this matter, aimed at securing critical information due to the involvement of numerous officials.

The EFCC's motion was predicated on grounds that the bank accounts are subjects of an ongoing investigation concerning misappropriation of funds and criminal breach of trust. Preliminary findings indicate that the N661,464,601.50 in the four identified accounts are suspected proceeds of unlawful activities, with Kyari allegedly taking advantage of his position to facilitate contracts and launder funds. It was further revealed that Kyari reportedly controls and manages these accounts through family members acting as fronts, with transactions disguised as payments for a purported book launch and activities of a non-governmental organization (NGO).

The commission had initially issued a 72-hour 'no debit' instruction on the accounts and sought the court order for a more extended freeze to preserve the funds during the investigation and potential prosecution. The investigation was initiated following a petition dated April 24, filed by the 'Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law' group against Kyari.

Photo Credit: Arise News

Kyari was relieved of his duties by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2025 as part of a sweeping reconstitution of the NNPCL board, with Bashir Ojulari appointed as his replacement. Following Kyari’s removal, allegations of fraud during his tenure surfaced, though he has denied any involvement. The anti-graft agency subsequently intensified its clampdown on former top officials of the oil firm, including the Managing Director of the three refineries, to probe the expenditure of funds amid the refineries' failure to function.

Among those held for questioning are Umar Ajiya Isa, a former Chief Financial Officer of NNPCL, who was in charge of fund releases for refinery maintenance, and former Managing Directors of Warri Refinery, Jimoh Olasunkanmi and Tunde Bakare, as well as Ahmed Adamu Dikko and Ibrahim Monday Onoja, former MDs of Port Harcourt Refinery. These officials are required to report regularly to the commission until investigations are concluded.